REDDING – The Chico State men’s basketball team shooting woes had to end sometime. Unfortunately for Simpson University, they ended Saturday night as the Wildcats walloped the Red Hawks 82-59 in a battle for North Valley bragging rights. Chico State shot 12-of-22 from 3-point range to snap a two-game losing streak and stretch in which they missed 60 of 77 shots from beyond the arc.

One key reason was that sharp shooter James Staniland was the one taking the most threes and buried 5-of-8 on the way to a team-high 17 points. Damario Sims was 3-for-4 from distance and joined Jordan Semple (2-of-2) with 13 points. Big man Jason Conrad chipped in seven points and seven rebounds while point guard Jay Flores dished out five assists.

Flores’ first of two steals gave him 100 for his career, making him just the sixth Chico State men’s basketball player to reach that plateau.

Chico State improved to 6-2 with the win, while Simpson fell to 1-10.

The Wildcats used a 21-6 run to end the second half to take firm control of the game, 42-23. By seven minutes into the second half, the advantage had grown to 62-31.

Chico State is back in action on Saturday, Dec. 17 when they travel to face rival Humboldt State in a California Collegiate Athletic Association affair. The Wildcats will head south to face Sonoma State on Monday, Dec. 19.

BOX SCORE